The IfA Annual Conference has become established as one of the premier archaeological conferences in the UK, attracting over 400 participants. With its combination of keynote addresses, wide-ranging sessions, workshops, displays, poster sessions and other events, it is a vital forum for discussing topical professional issues, as well as providing updates on current research. The theme for the 2012 conference will be Partnership Working ? creating effective networks throughout the historic, natural and built environments to maximise resources, increase public benefit and build a stronger sector.

In 2012 the conference includes discussion papers, seminars and training workshops, providing an excellent opportunity to get up to date with current issues effecting all those working within the historic environment sector. Both formal and informal social events provide ample opportunity to carry on debates and discussions when sesisons have closed, and to meet up with friends and colleagues, old and new. The conference will kick off with a keynote addres followed by the first IfA conference debate; What is the future for Local Planning Authorities and archaeology?

Discussion sessions include:

Engaging communities with archaeology: different approaches
Promoting cross-disciplinary training
After Southport: the road to public benefits
Historic reasons for a natural alliance
Trenches and Ivory Towers: universities and commercial field archaeology
Information and Archaeology
Graphic Images and Visual Communication
Global Partners: our international heritage obligations
Heritage Crime: partnerships in practice

Everything you wanted to know about geophysics but were afraid to ask
Setting up a business? A guide to business start up and getting registered
Construction, Design and Management regulations
Assessing Significance for Planing Applications
An introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
National Occupational Standards and the National Skills Academy: what they can do for you